The ILO Multilateral Framework on Labour Migration: Non-binding principles and guidelines for a rights-based approach to labour migration

Migration for employment and its linkages with development has now emerged as a global issue that affects most nations in the world. It is high on the international, regional and national policy agendas. Through their labour, migrant workers contribute to growth and development in their countries of employment. Countries of origin greatly benefit from their remittances and the skills acquired during their migration experience. Yet, the migration process also poses serious challenges. Many migrant workers, especially low skills workers, experience serious abuse and exploitation. Women, increasingly migrating on their own and now acocunting for almost half of all international migrants, face specific protection problems. In the face of rising barriers to cross border labour mobility, the growth of irregular migration, and trafficking and smuggling of human beings constitute major challenges to protection of human and labour rights.